Finding Winter Happiness in the Garden
It’s about this time of year that my enthusiasm for the return to Ireland wanes. The mucky roads and damp, soggy conditions, pared with enticing jobs opportunities in sunnier climes make me wonder about our choices. However, the overriding confidence that I am where I belong, make it alright.
I know that our children wonder if this is actually home. At the end of the day, they have lived here for less time than they have lived in other countries. It is the beginning of our third year in Ireland. The children changed school after the first year, so even within the two years, there has been little stability. Yet we have found a school that offers junior and senior schools all on the one campus - so we are ‘settled’ now.
The big list of things that need to be done still has ‘finding a house’ at the top. Followed closely by ‘organise the ridiculous file of pension paperwork’ from all over the world, into one common place. I know that I have to do this, but it has taken me two years to come to grips with getting the pieces of paper all in one file, so I am no hare in this race.
It has taken me a year to open bank accounts for the children. But finally, that is done too. But there are a great many other paperwork style things to arrange in the future - that side of home living is outrageously ‘never done’. But as one says, “Enjoy the journey”. I do try, you know! Wine helps, of course.
Now, back to finding winter happiness in the garden. Here I have some great tips for you. Bear in mind that I am not a gardener by trade, nor by passion. I am a fair weather and “when I have time” kind of gardener. If I spent less time looking at other peoples gardens on Pinterest or Instagram, then mine might look a lot better too!
5 Winter Garden Ideas
Plant sweet peas.
Last year I bought one packet of highly scented sweet pea seeds from m local garden centre. I soaked them in water on cotton wool pads until they germinated. Then we found great use of last years advent calendar (one of those Playmobil ones, that have large plastic compartments for the daily toys) and planted one or two seeds into each tray. I kept these in the garage, which has a lovely potting area and large window, until they got big and strong. Indeed, I even re-potted them into larger pots as they grew, and eventually planted them out after Easter in the garden. Quickly thereafter I had to buy a trellis to run along the wall, but I had the most amazing and long lasting crop of flowers all Summer and Autumn. I picked them and they came back again. I gifted them to friends. I even sat outside and just enjoyed their magical scent! So start to get excited in winter about the prospect of new flowers germinating!
Bulbs
These are the most fun. Hide bulbs in the soil and forget where you put them. They’ll appear when you least expect them (if you’re a gardener like me, that is). Our first year back I planted aliums, tulips and narcissi. They produced the most beautiful flowers that I was so proud of, because they were mine. Of course, they were in the most impractical places as I hadn’t taken into consideration lawn growth in spring, but now I know all about that. Do plant them in groups altogether, and preferably in a flowerbed-denoted-area. Snowdrops are wonderful too, for bringing hope after Christmas. In fact, all are perfect, just plant them early enough or you’ll have to wait another year.
Picking and decorating
Even in winter you can find treasures to decorate with, or to fill a vase with. Perhaps pad with a few bought flowers with some feathers or dried flowers and foraged goodies. Use chicken wire molded into a ball as a base instead of floral foam, and create a stunning arrangement.
Hyacinths!
These are a fabulous treat in the winter. Get ready in October by ordering some prepared hyacinth bulbs and bulb fiber. Plant them in a nice box style of container, like an old drawer or a wine box. Fill the bottom with pebbles to help with drainage. Then top with nicely dampened peat and pop in the bulbs, close together. For prettiness, cover with some strands of moss and water. Put them in a cool dark place like your garage or shed and leave for a few months. Add a drop of water occasionally. When the shoots appear after 2-3 months, bring them into the light and that will force them into flower - perfect timing for Christmas / January! Or if you missed out on the Autumn planting, they are plentiful in the shops in January and February.
Cutting Back and being Neat and Tidy
Gardens thrive in Ireland’s mild and moist climate. Weeds thrive too unfortunately. However, in the winter, it is such a lovely time to tidy the garden and prepare the soil in the confidence that it is a little while before the weeds will start to run rampant! Also, spending an hour or two digging and turning soil, cutting back brambles and such like, will get your blood circulating and really earn a sit down by the fire in the evening with snuggly slippers and a lovely book. I love looking out on our wintry garden, with the cold, dramatic, contrasting dark colours of the soil and the ivy.
One of the great excitements in our move back to Ireland for me, was the opportunity to grow things in the garden. Learning to appreciate each season and the time in between helps with the transition to a new home.
On a final note:
These are some beautiful books that I found in our local library that are worth making a pot of tea for:
Willow Crossley - The Art of Living with Nature
And some Instagram accounts to cherish:
I sat in the lovely cafe at the Solstice Arts Centre in Navan to write this post and I drank a teapot of utterly delicious and surprising loose leaf green tea by Solaris.
Thanks for joining me & let me know your magic winter garden tips
xoxo J.